Jesus’ Light Shines Through Us: Kids Bible Lesson + Reflective Mirror Craft
LESSON OVERVIEW
Big Truth: Jesus’ light shines in us to brighten the world.
Key Verse: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12
Bible Story: Light of Jesus in us
Pillar Focus: Power (Jesus’ power shines through us to light up the world)
1) Introduction:
Have you ever noticed how even a little light can brighten up a dark room and help you see clearly? Sometimes, when things feel confusing or scary, it’s easy to feel like we’re in the dark. But Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world,’ and when we follow Him, His light shines right inside our hearts. Today, we’re going to explore how Jesus’ light makes us bright and helps us share His love with others. We’ll hear from John 8:12 and learn how His power shines through us to light up the world. By the end, I hope you’ll feel your heart glowing with His light!
Instructions: Encourage kids to share times when they’ve seen a light help them—maybe at night, or in a scary place, or on a camping trip.
2) Game: Light the Path (Interactive Movement Game)
Prop List: Flashlights / glow-sticks / bright pictures.
Instructions: We will play a fun game to help us feel what it’s like to be a shining light for Jesus. I will turn off the lights a little bit so the room gets darker, and each of you will get a flashlight or a glow stick. Your job is to carefully walk along a path I’ll set up, using your light to help yourself and your friends avoid obstacles. When you see a friend’s light, remind yourselves: ‘Jesus lights up my life!’ For younger children: Instead of flashlights, we'll look for bright pictures, like the sun or stars, hidden around the room. Every time you find one, say, ‘Jesus’ light shines in me!’ and give a big smile.
Say this: "Let’s see how Jesus’ light helps keep us safe and bright — just like these flashlights! Keep your light shining and remember, Jesus wants us to shine our light to help others." After the game, gather your kids and discuss how it felt to be the light that helped make the way safe and bright.
3) Praise & Worship:
Now it’s time to praise Jesus, the Light of the world! When we sing, we’re shining our light joyfully to Him and everyone around us. Let’s sing together and have some fun waving our hands and clapping like bright stars! Sing songs like:
“Light of the World” — Forest Frank
“Light Up the World” — Elevation Worship Kids
“You Are Good” — Bethel Music Kids
“Open the Eyes of My Heart” — Paul Baloche (Kids Worship versions)
Invite kids to shout out things they love about Jesus’ light, such as ‘It helps me be brave!’ or ‘It helps me love others!’ End with a minute of quiet reflection.
Say this: "Let’s close our eyes and think about a time when Jesus helped you feel brave or loved by shining His light in your heart. Then, take some time to thank Him for his wonderful light and love!
4) Bible Story Sermon
Say this: Close your eyes and imagine it’s nighttime. All around you is dark and quiet. The stars sparkle like tiny diamonds high in the sky, but they are far away, and down here on the ground, everything feels shadowy and a little scary. Sometimes, in our lives, things can feel just like this—when we’re scared, lonely, or sad, it can feel like the darkness is all around us. We might feel lost and unsure about where to go or how to feel safe.
Now, picture someone walking in front of you holding a big, shining lantern that casts a warm, glowing light. When that light shines out, the dark disappears! You can see the path clearly, the trees around you, the flowers on the ground, and the smiling faces of your friends. Suddenly, you feel safe, happy, and excited to keep moving forward. The light makes everything good and bright. That’s the beautiful picture Jesus gives us when He says, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus isn’t just talking about any light like the sun or a flashlight.
He means His love and power shine like a special light that can chase away all the darkness inside us—whether that darkness is fear, sadness, loneliness, or worry. Jesus promises that when we decide to follow Him, it’s like He comes to live in our hearts and shines His light through us. His light fills us up and makes us strong and brave. It helps us feel peace and joy even when things around us seem tough or scary.
Let’s hear the special verse Jesus said in John 8:12. I’ll say it slowly, and when I say the part in quotes, you say it with me: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have "the light of life." This means that when we trust Jesus and follow His way, His light stays with us. It guides us and helps us make good choices. It also helps other people see God’s love through us—our family, our friends, and even people we meet for the first time. Have you ever seen how a flashlight or a lamp can brighten a dark room?
In the same way, Jesus’ light shines inside us and lets us “light up” the places and people around us. Maybe it’s by sharing a kind word, helping someone who’s sad, or being brave when you’re scared. These are ways your light shines! Let me tell you about a story that shows how Jesus brought light and hope into a dark world. A long time ago, before we knew Jesus, people worried about many things. They felt far away from God and didn’t always know how much God loved them. But Jesus came to bring them out of the darkness by showing God’s love in everything He did and said. One time, Jesus talked to His disciples and reminded them that He is the light that never goes out. He told them that if they follow Him, they will always have a light to guide them—no matter what happens.
Jesus wanted them to know that His light was different from sunlight or candlelight; it was a light that shines forever and never fades away. And you know what? That same light is with us today! When you say “yes” to Jesus and follow Him, He sends His Holy Spirit to live inside your heart. This Spirit shines a light so bright it helps you to be kind, loving, honest, and brave. You become like a little star shining in the dark night sky, helping others see the way to God’s love. Think about a time when you helped someone by being kind or brave—maybe you stood up for a friend, shared your toys, or comforted someone who was feeling sad.
That’s your light shining! When you do things like that, you are letting Jesus’ light shine through you. Would anyone like to share a story about a time you shone Jesus’ light by being kind, brave, or helpful? It can be anything big or small—we want to celebrate all the ways God’s light shines through you. (Give a chance for 3 or 4 kids to share. Celebrate each story with enthusiasm.)
Remember, no matter how small you feel sometimes, your light is very powerful because Jesus shines in and through you. His light can brighten the darkest nights and bring hope to those who need it most.
5) Holy Spirit Activation (Creating a Gratitude Jar - Perfect for Families!)
Materials: Small mirrors or shiny, reflective paper; markers or stickers; a label that says “Jesus’ Light”.
Say this: "Let’s make something special to remind us that Jesus’ light is inside each one of us. Take your mirror or shiny paper and decorate it with bright colors or stickers. Then, write or stick the words ‘Jesus’ Light’ on it. When you look into it, remember that you are the light of Jesus shining to everyone around you!
Encourage the children to take their craft home as a reminder.
7) Small Group Questions:
Invite children to sit in small groups or pairs and calmly discuss:
What does it mean that Jesus’ light shines in us?
How can we show Jesus’ light to our family and friends?
Can you share a time when you helped someone and felt like you were shining Jesus’ light?
What does it feel like inside when Jesus’ light shines in your heart?
After sharing, remind them that every little light can brighten the world.
8) Prayer:
‘Dear Jesus, Thank You for being our bright Light. Thank You for shining in our hearts and helping us shine for others. Please help us to be kind, brave, and loving every day, so that Your light can shine through us and brighten the world. Amen.’
Now, quietly whisper or say one thing you’re thankful for about Jesus’ light in your life!